Constructivism: Meaning, Theories, Types & Principles

Constructivism

Constructivism is considered part of the cognitive revolution, an intellectual movement that began in the 1950s as a response to traditional behaviour theories. Whereas behaviourist theorists view learning as a passive process, cognitive theorists believe that learners play an active role in constructing their own knowledge. In other words, learners must actively engage in the learning experience to retain information and construct knowledge.

Get started

Table of contents

Flashcards in Constructivism 20

Start learning

Which of the following are criticisms of a constructivist approach to teaching?

It can lack structure as learning focuses on student-led methods

Why did Bruner emphasise the importance of language in the learning process?

Because it helps develop an individual's ability to deal with abstract concepts and can remove the constraints of the physical 'here and now'.

Constructivists believe that lessons should be subject-oriented, true or false?

False. They believe lessons should be student-oriented.

In a constructivist classroom, what role should the teacher take?

Facilitator

What is the main difference between the cognitive theory and the constructivist theory?

While cognitive theory views learning as a purely internal and mental process, constructivism views learning as a combination of cognitive development and human interaction.

John Dewey was a fan of rote learning, true or false?

False. Dewey rejected the ideas of rote memorization and repetition in learning.

Learn with 20 Constructivism flashcards in the free StudySmarter app

We have 14,000 flashcards about Dynamic Landscapes.

Already have an account? Log in

Frequently Asked Questions about Constructivism

What is constructivism?

Constructivism is an educational theory that states learners construct new meanings and understanding by integrating new information with prior knowledge. Constructivist theorists recognize the importance of social interaction and context in the learning process.

What are the main principles of constructivism?

Here are the main principles of constructivism:

Knowledge is actively constructed.
Learning is an individual and social process.
Learning is an organizational process - meaning new knowledge is assimilated with old knowledge to construct new meanings and understandings.
Learning is socially situated and is enhanced through meaningful context.
Language plays an essential role in learning as the sharing of knowledge happens through communication.

What are the benefits of constructivism?

Some benefits of constructivism include:

It encourages students to think critically and autonomously.
It's a student-centered approach to learning.
It is an active and engaging teaching method.
It promotes creativity.

What are the types of constructivism?

The main theories within constructivism include Jean Piaget's Cognitive Constructivism, John Dewey's Cognitive Constructivism, Lev Vygotsky's Social Constructivism, and Bruner's Constructivist Learning Theory.

What is an example of constructivism?

An example of constructivism in the classroom is the discovery learning method of teaching. Students are encouraged to draw upon their past experiences, discuss possible solutions, and explore their surroundings to find a solution together.

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

YOUR SCORE

Your score

Already have an account? Log in

Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

About StudySmarter

StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Learn more

StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team English Teachers

10 minutes reading time
Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team

Save Explanation